The Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

by Christine Davis, ND on September 6, 2011

Written by: Dr. Christine Davis, Naturopathic Doctor

The skin is the largest organ for elimination of the toxins within the body. Brushing the skin can stimulate the body’s natural cleansing and healing systems to help detoxify the body and strengthen the immune system. Dry skin brushing exfoliates and stimulates new skin growth. It cleanses the lymphatic system, removes dead skin and cellulite, tightens skin, tones muscles and stimulates circulation. The process also stimulates more activity in your sebaceous, or oil, glands, which helps the body create its own natural moisturizer and lessens the appearance of dimpled skin. Dry skin brushing has been practiced for thousands of years by the Japanese, the Ancient Greeks, and the Cherokee Indians. It’s easy once you get the hang of it, and it only takes 15 minutes to your entire body.

Procedure:

You can utilize the dry-brushing technique by a number of methods, including a rough loofah sponge, washcloth, soft pumice stone, gloves or a natural fiber brush. I recommend the natural fiber brush to reach tough areas. Dry brush your skin first in the morning, before you shower. Your skin should be completely dry. Start at your feet and move upwards along your legs. Always brush in the direction of your heart to facilitate circulation. Repeat using upward strokes from your hands along your arms. Brush your torso in an upward motion and your stomach in a circular motion. Brush your tailbone to the base of your neck as you can reach. Use more vigorous strokes on areas where your skin is thick–like your soles, and light strokes on areas where your skin is thin. Don’t brush irritated or broken skin. Dry brush once a day, first thing in the morning. You can brush areas with cellulite twice a day for about five to ten minutes to minimize the appearance of cellulite. Do this consistently for five months for best results.

Precautions

Avoid brushing your skin too vigorously. Excessive or abrasive brushing can cause irritation and scrapes to the skin. Increase pressure gradually over a period of time. During the first few weeks, your skin will often be red after your bath or shower; if skin remains red for more than 5 to 10 minutes, the brushing was too vigorous and should be scaled back.

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